Sam's Story

We first meet Sam as a stray brought in by Johnson County Animal Control after being hit by a car. Her sad brown eyes really spoke to us! Though in pain, she let us examine her and take radiographs.

Unfortunately, Sam a female lab mix, had a severely fractured pelvis. JCAC helped pay for a surgery to remove the top of the femur, or thigh bone. But Sam also had damage to her sciatic nerve and lost function of her left rear leg.

Hope Marie's Fund took over Sam's care and yesterday Dr. Skinner amputated Sam's rear leg. Sam is recovering very well and will begin looking for her forever home.

Here is Sam one day after surgery. What a trooper!!

Senior Pets

What signs of aging does your dog or cat show? Have you seen any changes in sleep pattern? Is your old friend pacing and vocalizing at night, or appear disorientated and lost? Maybe you find her staring into space or sometimes stuck in corners. Have you noticed any accidents in the house lately? These behavioral signs may indicate aging of some of the internal organs and we may need to do blood tests to rule these in or out. However, they may be signs of senility and we can actually help improve your pet's quality of life with diet and, in some cases, medication.
Restlessness and pacing can indicate high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism, which is a hormonal disease. We offer blood pressure readings on older dogs and cats now and highly recommend doing this on an annual basis.
If your pet is showing signs of stiffness such as difficulty with stairs or climbing into the car we can check for arthritis. These old dears are also more likely to be grouchy as it hurts to move away from bouncy children. New and safer medications are now available for arthritis.

These above warning signs let you know it's time for a check up. Older pets need more frequent visits than young adults and the reward is improving your friend's golden years.

Pet Obesity

About 40% -50% of patients at veterinary offices are obese! Remember, obesity means any weight above that which is considered optimal for good health. Fat has inflammatory mediators that act as hormones, resulting in insulin resistance and subsequent diabetes, for one example.

These inflammatory mediators can also cause a chronic low grade inflammatory state. Arthritis, Breathing issues, cooling difficulties, skin and cardiac problems can occur.

Many of us can’t turn off the urge to “treat” our 4 -legged friends. Begging does not equal hunger, though!  Overfeeding, inappropriate treats, poor quality high carbohydrate food, feeding diets that do not satisfy hunger, and unscheduled feedings are contributors to obesity in our pets.

Just like for us, high fat, salt, and sugar foods are a no-no. Avoid semi- moist foods

such as packaged fake meats. Chewy treats like popular Puperonis are like eating bacon and potato chips.

Choose vegetables. Raw vegetables like carrots are great for the teeth and are minimally absorbed in the intestine, thus reducing calories.  Cats sometimes like steamed zucchini. Some canned foods are actually bulkier (greater volume) with LESS calories that the equivalent amount of dry food!

Keep pets on a regular feeding schedule. Twice a day is generally better, and as pets age, a lack of appetite can be noted quickly.

Consults your veterinarian regarding an actual calorie count required for your pet’s ideal weight. And, get a measuring cup. Most “Scoops” are much more than “a cup”.

Fill in with vegetables and fruits, avoiding raisins and grapes.

Exercise! Feed cats at the opposite end of the house or on a different floor than what they are used to. They’ll come running when they hear the can opener of dry food bag crinkle! Cats and some dogs like to chase laser lights.  One of my favorite ideas is to feed the pet in an interactive toy.  Most pet stores have these. A Busy Buddy, Tricky Treat ball, and Kongs are filled with the kibble and /or canned food  The dog or cat must play with the toy until the food drops out of opening strategically located in the toy. This is also a great distraction for anxious dogs.

Walking is one of the best exercises we or our pets can do.  One of my favorite recommendations for older or arthritic pets is a 5 min walk 3 times a day. Walk aerobically, like you are in training. Potty breaks are only that- power walks are for exercise and mental stimulation.  Dogs can be trained to treadmills. Underwater treadmills are available at a few rehabilitation centers around the city. We train dogs on dry treadmills for conditioning and therapy.

Monitor you progress! Make sure you can feel the dog or cat’s ribs without feeling a  large layer of fat or large dips between the ribs. Need help deciding your pet’s ideal weight? Consult his doctor!